Full details: Mercedes-AMG GT R

The GT R has been revealed in full at the Goodwood Festival of Speed overnight, ushered in as the fastest, most dynamically capable offering yet from the Affalterbach tuner. Broadening the dynamic envelope of the regular GT supercar first released in 2015, the GT R adds active aerodynamics, rear-wheel steer, modified suspension and lightweight forged wheels shod with cup tyres. It will go on sale in Australia from early 2017, pitted directly against Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Pricing is estimated to sit at about $400,000.

"With the new AMG GT R, we have reached the next level of driving performance," Mercedes-AMG chief Tobias Moers said.

"This road-going sports car with motor-racing genes and innovative technical solutions offers an ultimate driving experience that allows people to feel our motorsport origins in every fibre. It combines the driving dynamics of our AMG GT3 racing car with the everyday practicality of the AMG GT."

The GT R's front mid-engined 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine is the same as that found on the regular GT S, with outputs raised to 430kW and 700Nm (from 375kW and 650Nm). This corresponds with a hastened 0-100km/h time of just 3.6 seconds (down from 3.8 seconds) and a top speed of 318km/h – importantly pitting it ahead of the marque's fiercest car to-date, the 317km/h SLS AMG. As before, the GT R's re-worked seven-speed dual clutch transmission is mounted at the rear of the car, sending drive to the rear wheels and completing its trans-axle layout.

The Mercedes-AMG GT R is the brand's new performance hero. Photo: Supplied

The GT R receives unique visual treatment from other GT models, specifically with 15 chrome-plated vertical fins that form a new radiator grille, harking back to the original Mercedes 300 SL racing car that won the legendary Panamericana road race in Mexico in 1952. Its front end measures 46mm wider than the regular GT thanks to the fitment of carbon front wings, while the rear is 57mm wider in dimension. This enables more room for a wider track and larger 10-spoke forged wheel and staggered Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyre combinations.

Carbon-ceramic brakes are again available as an option, should the regular 390mm-front and 360mm-rear steel fitments not stand up to the job.

Housed within a revised front bumper are larger air intakes incorporating two aerodynamically shaped horizontal fins in place of traditional mesh. A wider front splitter reduces lift at the front axle, while additional intakes on the outside of the front fascia are said to calm the airflow, improving drag co-efficient. Unique wheel arch lines with special cooling-air slits have been added to ensure optimum airflow.

The car features race-inspired touches inside and out. Photo: Supplied

A further distinguishing feature of the AMG GT R is the large exhaust tip with centre spar, which is centrally positioned in the rear fascia. It is flanked by two more black exhaust tips on left and right in the diffuser.

Arguably the GT R's biggest engineering feat – active aerodynamics – is concealed from public view, in the underbody in front of the engine. At a speed of 80 km/h in RACE mode, a carbon component automatically moves downward by about 40 millimetres and changes the airflow. This process results in what is known as the Venturi effect, which additionally 'sucks' the car onto the road and reduces the front-axle lift by around 40 kilograms at 250 km/h. Mercedes says the addition improves the directional stability of the GT R and results in better high-speed steering response.

Another hidden technical highlight is the car's active air management system: vertical louvres positioned behind the lower area of the front fascia that electronically open and close to reduce front lift. The louvres stay closed at all times except when predefined components have reached critical operating temperatures.

Under the skin, the GT R boasts coil-over suspension with manual pre-load spring adjustment for greater adjustability. This is combined with adaptive dampers with three pre-configured settings (Comfort, Sport and Sport-Plus). Moreover, the wishbones, steering knuckles and hub carriers on the front and rear axle are manufactured entirely out of forged aluminium in order to reduce the unsprung masses. Uniball spherical bearings feature on the lower wishbones of the rear axle for greater wear, teamed with a thicker tubular anti-roll bar that endows greater high-speed stability.

The GT R is the first Mercedes-AMG model to be equipped with active rear-wheel system. Improving agility and stability, the rear wheels are turned in the opposite direction to the front wheels at speeds up to 100 km/h, corresponding to a virtual shortening of the wheelbase. Once the speed of the AMG GT R exceeds 100 km/h, the system turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels, corresponding to a virtual lengthening of the wheelbase and improving handling stability.

The GT R re-affirms its link to the track with a new 'green hell magno' livery – referencing its extensive testing on Germany's Nurburgring. A high-grade carbon roof is fitted as standard.

Mercedes launched the car in special paint named "green hell" after the Nurburgring. Photo: Daimler AG - Global Communicatio

AMG will again raise the benchmark with its anticipated confirmation of the GT Black Series in the coming months. Sitting above the GT R, the halo model is expected to offer even more performance, including a power output in the vicinity of 450kW.